What is on a Criminal Background Check?
When applying for a job, loan, or other opportunity, a criminal background check may be required. But what exactly does this check entail, and what information does it reveal? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what’s typically included in a criminal background check.
What Information is Included in a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is a thorough examination of an individual’s criminal history, which may include:
Criminal Convictions: This includes any felony or misdemeanor convictions, including charges that were dismissed or reduced. Convictions can stay on a person’s record for a lifetime, and may impact their ability to secure employment, housing, or other opportunities.
Arrests: While an arrest does not necessarily mean a person was convicted, it can still be included in a background check. Arrests can be expunged or sealed, which means they may not appear on a public record, but may still be available to certain parties, such as law enforcement or licensing agencies.
Warrants: Outstanding warrants for a person’s arrest may also be included in a background check. Unserved warrants can have serious consequences, including being arrested and charged with the original offense.
Misdemeanors: Misdemeanor convictions, which are typically punishable by up to one year in jail, may also be included in a background check.
Felony Convictions: Felony convictions, which are typically punishable by more than one year in jail, are also included in a background check.
Parole and Probation: Information about a person’s parole or probation status may also be included in a background check.
- Sex Offender Registration: In some cases, a background check may include information about a person’s registration as a sex offender.
What is Not Typically Included in a Criminal Background Check?
While a criminal background check may reveal a wealth of information about an individual’s criminal history, there are some important exceptions:
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged or sealed may not be included in a background check.
Acquittals: Records of acquittals, or cases where a person was found not guilty, are typically not included in a background check.
Misdemeanor Charges That Were Dismissed: Misdemeanor charges that were dismissed or reduced may not be included in a background check.
- Traffic Violations: Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or parking tickets, are typically not included in a background check.
How is a Criminal Background Check Conducted?
There are several ways a criminal background check can be conducted, including:
Manual Search: A manual search involves a human reviewer manually searching through public records to gather information.
Automated Search: An automated search uses computer software to search through public records and gather information.
- Database Search: A database search involves searching through a specific database, such as a state or federal database, to gather information.
What are the Consequences of a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check can have serious consequences for an individual’s life, including:
Job Opportunities: A criminal background check can prevent an individual from securing a job, particularly in fields that require a high level of trust or responsibility.
Housing: A criminal background check can prevent an individual from securing housing, particularly in areas that have strict tenant screening policies.
Licensing: A criminal background check can prevent an individual from securing a professional license, particularly in fields that require a high level of trust or responsibility.
- Student Loans: A criminal background check can prevent an individual from securing a student loan, particularly if they have a history of defaulting on previous loans.
Conclusion
A criminal background check is a thorough examination of an individual’s criminal history, which can reveal a wealth of information about their past. While a criminal background check can be an important tool for employers and other organizations, it’s essential to understand what information is included and what consequences it can have for an individual’s life. By understanding what’s on a criminal background check, individuals can better prepare themselves for the potential consequences and take steps to mitigate any negative impacts.
